Balala: Anti-IEBC protests hurting tourism
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala says the anti-IEBC protests by opposition alliance Cord are scaring off tourists from Kenya.
Speaking during a an official function in Kwale County on Saturday, Mr Balala said that although he was not opposed to demonstrations, the opposition leaders should hold peaceful protests instead of being violent.
“I have no objection to the demonstrations if they are peaceful. However, if we showcase tyres being burnt and people carrying weapons, then we are not showcasing the country positively. These are not the right pictures for our visitors to see,” Balala said.
The opposition leaders have for the past month leading weekly protests in various towns across the country, aimed at forcefully remove the current Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission members from office.
In the latest demonstrations, several protestors seriously injured while others have lost their lives. Police officers were also reportedly injured.
This week Cord temporarily suspended the protests to give room for dialogue with the Jubilee government over their grievances.